When performing a draw on a diabetic patient with small, fragile veins, and the phlebotomist misses the patient's vein twice, what should the phlebotomist do next?
Ask another phlebotomist to obtain the specimen.
Perform the draw on a foot.
Repeat the draws until the phlebotomist is successful.
Perform the draw on a leg.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Asking another phlebotomist to obtain the specimen is a prudent step after multiple unsuccessful attempts. It can reduce the patient's discomfort and anxiety. A fresh perspective from another professional might increase the chances of a successful draw, especially in challenging situations like small, fragile veins often found in diabetic patients.
Choice B reason:
Performing the draw on a foot is not typically recommended due to the increased risk of infection and complications, especially in diabetic patients who may have reduced sensation and slower healing in their extremities. This option should only be considered when other more proximal sites have been deemed unsuitable.
Choice C reason:
Repeating the draws until successful is not advisable as it can cause undue stress to the patient and increase the risk of hematoma or vein damage. It is essential to minimize the number of attempts to prevent patient discomfort and potential complications.
Choice D reason:
Performing the draw on a leg is another option that is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary, due to similar reasons as drawing from a foot—risk of infection and complications. Additionally, it can be an uncomfortable position for the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid by the stomach. While it is a critical component in the digestive process, gastrin is not typically sensitive to light, and therefore, does not require protection from light during handling and transportation.
Choice B reason:
Ammonia testing involves measuring the amount of ammonia in the blood, which can indicate liver function and is used in the diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. Ammonia levels are not generally affected by light; thus, special precautions to protect from light are not necessary.
Choice C reason:
Pyruvate is a key intermediate in several metabolic pathways throughout the cell. Pyruvate itself is not considered photosensitive, and standard precautions for handling and transportation are sufficient to maintain its integrity.
Choice D reason:
Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells and is measured to evaluate liver function and to assess jaundice. Bilirubin is known to be photosensitive; exposure to light can cause it to break down, which can affect the accuracy of test results. Therefore, specimens for bilirubin testing must be protected from light during handling and transportation to ensure valid results.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The laboratory accession number is a unique identifier assigned to a patient's specimen once it is received by the laboratory. While it is an important piece of information, it is not provided by the physician's office to the phlebotomist for specimen collection. Instead, it is generated by the laboratory after the specimen is collected and submitted for analysis.
Choice B reason:
The Physician's NPI (National Provider Identifier) number is a unique identification number for covered health care providers in the United States. While it is used for billing and identification purposes, it is not the information that the physician's office needs to provide to a phlebotomist for the purpose of specimen collection.
Choice C reason:
The laboratory requisition form is the correct document that should be provided by the physician's office. This form contains the patient's demographic information, the tests ordered by the physician, special instructions for specimen collection, and any other pertinent information required for proper specimen handling and testing.
Choice D reason:
The physician's encounter form typically contains details of the patient's visit, including services provided, diagnoses, and billing information. It is not specifically used for laboratory specimen collection and therefore is not the information that should be provided to a phlebotomist for this purpose.
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